Want Work You Love? Don't Follow Your Passion

"Follow your passion" is everyone's favorite career advice. Even we tout from time to time as the way to find a fulfilling career.

But Cal Newport, author of So Good They Can't Ignore You, doesn't think this is very good advice at all. In fact, he thinks following it is a surefire way to end up not passionate about what you do.

So, what should you do instead? In the video below, Newport explains his reasoning and then, using case studies of successful people who were passionate about—and good at—the work they ended up doing, walks us through what it really takes to end up loving what you do.

Erin believes in the power of content to spread ideas, build communities, and engage and delight people—which is why she spends her days helping employers and brands do just that. During her time at The Muse, Erin has also worn the hats of personal website expert, video producer, Shutterstock wrangler, master lunch-packer, and company librarian. Erin is always looking for new places to explore on the weekends, and she almost never says no to tea and a croissant. Invite Erin to tea at eringreenawald.com or on Twitter @erinaceously.

Meet The Author

Erin believes in the power of content to spread ideas, build communities, and engage and delight people—which is why she spends her days helping employers and brands do just that. During her time at The Muse, Erin has also worn the hats of personal website expert, video producer, Shutterstock wrangler, master lunch-packer, and company librarian. Erin is always looking for new places to explore on the weekends, and she almost never says no to tea and a croissant. Invite Erin to tea at eringreenawald.com or on Twitter @erinaceously.